Hi
My family got oath invitation after a wait of what will be 11 months. I'm sharing my timeline and observations here;
Received: 28-nov-14, Test: 16th April, Fingerprints (both adults): 10th July, Mini-RQ (one adult, I-94 stuff): Sep 5th, Decision Made: Sep 28th
Main observations: we applied with one applicant having minimal buffer days, to try and get in before the election date, but this caused an estimated 3 month delay to the process. However, all considered, 11 months is still good despite not having the vote this month.
Preparing a sheet of explanations for all travel in advance for the short interview after test is invaluable (with hindsight). They have limited time to review your passports, and any navigation will be appreciated especially when missing stamps. I didn't realize that for instance, i94s (US travel) are available online, and flight records can be downloaded from flightstats where take-off may have been delayed.
We never called the CIC hotline. One of the long-term contributors to this forum summarizes what we found the best advice: "marshal the evidence" - the essence of which is about providing clarity, certainty and credibility at all stages of the process to help the officer make the right choice.
Good luck to everyone!
dancouver